Addison Love “Thoughts on Lunch”
Huntington Beach, CA native Addison Love (Yorktown Lads) is a protege of Michael Simmons (Sparkle*Jets UK, Popdudes) and Big Stir Records proudly signed Addison with his first solo album. It starts with the classical piano prelude “Just One Minute” but goes into the bouncy Rubinoos-like rock of “Anything’s Right.”
Love has all the right influences, as these songs have both modern and retro touchpoints. Beatles and Beach Boys are primary here with an authenticity that reaches out through each tune. Some tunes feel a little underbaked, but Love’s multi-tracked harmonies shine and elevate nearly all the music. “I Think You’re Swell” combines the Beatlesque touches with some nice guitar work. Some added highlights include “Wee & Nancy Lee” and “Like The Beatles” (featuring guest vocals from Simmons.) Several ballads highlight Love’s romantic side, and the gentle “She” is the best of these. A strong debut, and hopefully we’ll hear a lot more from Addison in the future. Check it out!
Amazon | Big Stir Records | Kool Kat Musik
Ken Sharp “Beauty in the Backseat”
Ken Sharp returns to an LP format with more of a Philly Soul/Todd Rundgren influence here. As with his last LP New Mourning he has enlisted the help of Fernando Perdomo, plus some additional special guests. On the opener “Rock Show” has a steady synth keyboard melody and a guitar work by Ace Frehley, next “Mona Lisa Smile” boasts a key assist from Kasim Sulton (Utopia) and it’s a playfully layered composition.
Sharp doesn’t stick in one spot, as the bubblegum pop “Lemons to Lemonade” and “No One Seems To Stay Together Anymore” are catchy highlights. Some inspired 70’s styled songwriting shows on the breezy pop of “Pull The Strings” and “Closer.” There are a few tributes here, from “The Day That David Bowie Died” to “I Wanna Be David Cassidy.” In some spots, Ken’s vocals are just too soft. “Ring On Your Finger” and “Listen To Me” are great tunes that need a more forceful vocal, or supporting vocals. In a bit of musical wish fulfillment, John Oats (Hall and Oats) lends his signature background vocals (baritone and falsetto) on the ’70s soul “Philly Kind Of Night.” My favorite here “The Hardest Part” is a solid power pop mid-tempo gem with all the trimmings. There are just enough great tunes mixed in with the indulgences to make this a Highly Recommended album.
